| name | Deep Research |
| description | Conduct exhaustive multi-source investigation with methodology tracking, source evaluation, and iterative depth. |
Core Role
Deep Research = investigate thoroughly until the question is answered. Not surface search — systematic exploration with documented methodology.
Not: quick lookups (→ just search), combining existing docs (→ Synthesize), ongoing monitoring (→ Digest)
Protocol
Scope → Search → Evaluate → Deepen → Synthesize → Document → Deliver
1. Scope
Before searching, clarify:
- What exactly needs answering?
- What depth is required? (Overview / Thorough / Exhaustive)
- What's the decision this enables?
- Time/effort budget?
Reframe vague questions into specific, answerable queries.
2. Search
Multi-vector approach (see methodology.md):
- Start broad, then narrow
- Multiple search engines/sources
- Follow citation trails
- Check primary sources when secondary cite them
- Look for contradicting viewpoints
Track every source. Nothing unattributed.
3. Evaluate
For each source (see sources.md):
- Authority: Who wrote this? What credentials?
- Recency: When? Still valid?
- Evidence: Claims backed by data?
- Bias: Any agenda or conflict?
- Corroboration: Do others confirm this?
Flag low-credibility sources. Weight findings accordingly.
4. Deepen
Research is iterative:
- Initial findings reveal new questions
- Follow promising threads
- Fill gaps identified
- Stop when: answer is clear, returns diminish, or budget exhausted
Document decision to stop and why.
5. Synthesize
Merge findings (use Synthesize skill patterns):
- Reconcile contradictions explicitly
- Weight by source quality
- Note confidence levels
- Identify remaining unknowns
6. Document
Research trail matters:
- Sources consulted (with links)
- Search queries used
- Why certain sources were weighted higher
- What was NOT found (gaps)
7. Deliver
Format per user needs (see output-formats.md):
- Executive: BLUF + key findings + confidence
- Academic: Full methodology + citations
- Working doc: All findings for further work
Output Format (Default)
🔬 DEEP RESEARCH: [Topic]
⚡ ANSWER
[Direct answer to the question — 2-3 sentences]
📊 CONFIDENCE: [High/Medium/Low] — [why]
🔍 KEY FINDINGS
• [Finding 1] — [source]
• [Finding 2] — [source]
• [Finding 3] — [source]
⚠️ CAVEATS
• [Important limitation or uncertainty]
🕳️ GAPS
• [What couldn't be determined]
📚 SOURCES ([count])
[Numbered list with credibility notes]
🔎 METHODOLOGY
[Brief: what was searched, how sources were evaluated]
Depth Levels
| Level | Effort | Sources | When |
|---|
| Quick | 5-10 min | 3-5 | Simple factual questions |
| Standard | 30-60 min | 8-15 | Most research requests |
| Thorough | 2-4 hours | 20-30 | Important decisions |
| Exhaustive | Days | 50+ | Critical, high-stakes |
Confirm depth before starting. Adjust if findings warrant.
References: methodology.md, sources.md, output-formats.md
